Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 8, lines 25 and 26, to delete “counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds” and substitute “promote sustainable mixed income communities”.

If there is an amendment on which we might find consensus on today, it is this one. I think I am right in saying that Senator Higgins has a similar amendment. She is indicating she might support mine and I appreciate that. To add clarity to the record I will read from section 6:

(4) In performing its functions under subsection (1), a housing authority shall have regard to the need to— (a) counteract undue segregation in housing between persons of different social backgrounds

It is section 6(4)(a) we have difficulty with. That is very problematic language to be using in a Bill. It is very archaic and I would like to see it removed. We are unnecessarily labelling existing local authority developments as not ideal with respect to the type of living arrangements they present. As a result, I have brought forward a proposal that would replace what I read out with the phrase "promote sustainable mixed income communities". I hope the Minister of State will take the amendment on board. I appreciate Senator Higgins's support.